A new mural was recently completed at Chilhowee Park, paying homage to the venue’s roots in recreation, politics, culture and entertainment since the late 1880s.

The artist, Brandon Donahue, included many symbolic images in the piece to represent aspects of Chilhowee Park’s history throughout the years, including:
The park’s iconic bandstand – constructed circa 1910, has served as a stage for many performers

At the 2014 Annual Neighborhoods Conference hosted by the City’s Office of Neighborhoods, Jerry Caldwell of Parkridge approached East Tennessee Quality Growth Executive Director, Julie Graham, about bringing an amenity to the area that would highlight Chilhowee Park.

“We’ve been looking for ways to implement what’s known as ‘creative place making’ and this project provided an opportunity to do so while highlighting an asset that is so important to Knoxville’s history,” said Graham.

The neighborhoods and Graham strategized with City staff at Chilhowee Park, The Muse (Knoxville’s discovery center located in Chilhowee Park), and the Tennessee Valley Fair organizers to brainstorm a project that would both beautify the facility and commemorate the public venue’s historic significance.

Graham established a handful of grants and sponsoring partners to make the project possible, including East Tennessee Foundation, the Tennessee Arts Commission Place Making Grant, and the First Tennessee Foundation.

City officials are currently working on plans to upgrade Chilhowee Park. Graham says East Tennessee Quality Growth is still pursuing other place making ideas for the site, including “discovery signs” that they hope will attract regular walkers from surrounding neighborhoods.